“‘Round Midnight” New Year’s Eve Gala ft. Wesley Bright & The Honeytones, Dan Wilson Coming out of retirement for one night only, the smooth & raspy southern soul vocals of Wesley Bright return along with Akron's fan-favorite jazz guitarist, Dan Wilson, to ring in 2020! Tickets include dinner, dessert & late-night snack, two drink tickets, admission to both performances plus celebratory champagne toast at midnight!
Dinner + Show

“BLU is more than a color – it’s an attitude of gratitude!” We’re ringing in a new decade (and marking the return of the “roarin’ 20’s”) with an unparalleled New Year’s Eve celebration in the BLU Zone, located at the heart of Akron’s Historic Arts District!
 
Named one of the “Best Jazz Venues Worldwide” by DownBeat Magazine, dress your best for a night on the town (formal attire, black tie optional) as we channel sophistication and soul with TWO amazing performances featuring international guitarist sensation Dan Wilson (9:30PM) and the smooth and raspy southern soul of the highly-anticipated return of Wesley Bright & The Honeytones (10:45PM), complete with two drink tickets, buffet dinner, dessert, late night snack, ball drop countdown & champagne toast at midnight!
 

Dan Wilson

9:30PM Akron’s own, guitarist Dan Wilson, is one of the biggest names on the jazz guitar scene today! Music has been an integral part of Dan Wilson’s life since his beginnings in gospel music. Upon hearing a Wes Montgomery record in a relative’s basement, Dan decided to pursue a career as a musician. Since then, he has spent more than a decade honing his craft.
 
His debut album, To Whom It May Concern was released in 2012 and is a product of an intense study of many different musical styles and concepts. His most recent album, Balancing Act was recorded live in his hometown of Akron, Ohio.
 
Dan has been touring nationally and internationally with three-time Grammy nominated jazz organ legend, Joey DeFrancesco. Dan’s composition, “Who Shot John” was featured on Joey’s 2015 release, “Trip Mode.” Dan received a Grammy nomination for work on “Project Freedom,” by Joey Defrancesco & The People, released in 2017. Dan can also be heard on Van Morrison’s “You’re Driving Me Crazy,” and “The Prophet Speaks.” In April of 2017, Dan joined legendary bassist Christian McBride’s “Tip City.” In June of 2019, Dan recorded an album for Mack Avenue Records entitled “Vessels of Wood and Earth,” which featured Jeff “Tain” Watts, Christian Sands, Marco Panascia, and Joy Brown.
 
In addition to touring with Joey DeFrancesco, he has enjoyed the honor of sharing the stage with many jazz greats including Eric Marienthal, Russell Malone, Les Mcann, Christian McBride, and Dave Stryker.
 

Wesley Bright & The Honeytones

10:45PM Wesley Bright is a dynamo on stage. You will be taken back in time by his blend of smooth and raspy southern soul vocals, reminiscent of a time when bona-fide R&B was the craze.
 
Over the last eight years, Wesley has shared the stage with the likes of Tower of Power, War, Otis Clay, Sly and The Family Stone, Durand Jones and The Indications, Lee Fields, and Charles Bradley.
 
But Wesley won’t be alone. Joined by The Honeytones, Wesley’s soul-stomping, heart-breaking, seven-piece band, they’re a sweet treat not to be missed. They know how to do soul right! Guitar, bass, organ, drums, and a horn section that is sweeter than honey.
 

$65, $125 (21+ only)